Getting Started on Djembe will teach you everything you need to know to enter the exciting and popular world of hand drumming.

Guided by expert instructor and professional musician Michael Wimberly, this book/DVD package provides a step-by-step method for the beginner. In a short time, you will be playing a variety of actual traditional rhythms on your djembe.

On the DVD, topics covered include parts of the instrument, its history, basic playing techniques, explanation of traditional rhythms, application to modern musical styles, and more. All of these topics are covered with clear demonstrations, and a complete DVD chapter is dedicated to each of 6 traditional African rhythms that you will learn to play on djembe.

The book covers and reinforces the topics on the DVD, and provides supplemental information as well. Extensive photos of all hand and body positions and playing techniques are included, as well as clear musical notation showing all the rhythms taught on the DVD. In addition, the book provides more detail on different types of djembes and the history of the instrument.

Hand drumming, and especially djembe playing, has exploded in popularity in recent years. It is easy to see why: it’s fun, exciting, musical, and relaxing— and connects the player with a musical tradition as old as human civilization itself. Getting Started on Djembe is the perfect guide to show you how to create music on your new instrument.